After being 'trapped' inside for 6 days, I took advantage of my day off. I was spending it outside no matter what the weather.

The day began at Elk Island National Park. The waterfowl have paired up. The ducks and geese are now swimming in open water. The snow and ice are gone. The muskats were active; swimming with the waterfowl.

I spent one hour hiking the trail and listening to the sounds of nature. Geese flew overhead, honking as they landed with a splash in the pond. A flock of ducks took to the air. 

The trail was dry for the most part. There were very few wet areas. The pussy willows are 'blooming out' and the leaf buds on the shrubs alongside the trail are forming.

I stopped at home before traveling to the Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Recreation Area. I picked up my kickbike because the maiden voyage was happening today. 

The trails at this park are wetter than those at Elk Island. It is going to take some practice to get the kicking right on this bike but for a first time out, it was a lot of fun. No wipeouts!

When I got home, the sun was shining in a bright blue sky. I took advantage of the beautiful afternoon by pulling out the lawn chair and enjoying my coffee in the backyard. 

I closed my eyes and listened to the neighborhood sounds. The chickadees sang songs to each other. The nuthatch gave me a warning before it landed at the bird feeder. A flock of cranes flew overhead. They were so high that I heard them but did not see them.

What a glorious day to be outside!

More photos at: https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-an-Outdoor-Girl-1015659961820012/